Everyone who’s anyone knows New Zealand will deliver when it comes to walking tracks, and the heart of Canterbury is certainly no exception. From your 30-minute morning run before work to a Sunday spent adventuring in the outdoors, Ōtautahi Christchurch has it all. With spectacular views and plenty to get the blood pumping, I'm here to share the best walking tracks and trails of our suitably titled Garden City.
Hagley Park
Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
A green oasis in the heart of the city, Hagley Park is the jewel in Christchurch’s ‘Garden City’ crown. A delight in all four seasons, the park offers a stunning array of experiences, from daffodil meadows and cherry blossoms in spring to the fiery hues of autumn leaves, frosty winter mornings, and cool summer shade beneath the trees.
Follow the well-trodden pathway that frames the park’s outer edge—a favourite of the inner city’s runners and walkers—or blaze your own route via the numerous footpaths and trails that criss-cross the park. The Botanical Gardens within the park are a must-see; take your time to meander through the beautifully curated collections of native and exotic plants, while the Ōtākaro/Avon River winds lazily beside you, adding a touch of tranquillity to your stroll.
Whether you're after a quick escape from the daily grind or a scenic route for your fitness goals, Hagley Park provides one of the best walks in the city.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: Varies, depending on your chosen route
- Walking time: As above
- Difficulty: Easy
Mona Vale Walk
Fendalton, Christchurch
Conquered the park, but need a double dose of inner city beauty? Luckily for you, Mona Vale Drive connects with North Hagley Park, and with it, the gorgeous Mona Vale Walk—a chance to slow down and let your senses do the wandering.
This soul-soothing stroll through a heritage garden sanctuary is about as close as one can get to stepping into a postcard. Built in the late 1890s for wealthy Cantabrian Frederick Waymouth, generations of passionate gardeners have lovingly tended this historic estate, and it shows in every carefully curated corner.
The magic starts the moment you enter the charming Gatehouse on Fendalton Road. From there, manicured English gardens meet the gentle flow of the Avon River, upon which ducks paddle lazily, and beneath, the odd, shy eel glides through the shallows. Here, seasonal displays are nothing short of spectacular—think vibrant annual beddings, woodland plantings and dappled shade on sunny days.
With specialist gardens and expansive lawns providing perfect picnic spots throughout, once you've got your steps in, you might as well take the arvo off, sit back, kick off your walking shoes and get a thorough demonstration in why Christchurch is known as the Garden City.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: 1km loop
- Walking time: 20 minutes (but you'll want to linger)
- Difficulty: Easy (wheelchair and stroller accessible)
Riccarton Bush
Riccarton, Christchurch
Right in the heart of Riccarton, Riccarton Bush/Puringamatou is another time capsule of Christchurch’s past, preserving a fragment of the ancient forest that once cloaked the land where the city now stands.
Take a wander around the easy track, where you can step away from the buzz of the city, tune in to the native birdsong, and stand in awe of towering kahikatea, rimu, and matai trees; some of these forest giants are 600 years old!
Within the grounds of Riccarton Bush is Riccarton House, a historic gem from 1856, and home to The Quarters restaurant. Stop in for lunch, or enjoy a picnic in the gardens outside. Swing by on a Saturday to catch the Christchurch Farmers’ Market—a prime spot to snag some fresh produce, local delicacies, and tasty treats.
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THE DETAILS
- Distance: From 450m, depending on your chosen route
- Walking time: From 15 minutes, depending on your chosen route
- Difficulty: Easy
Te Ara Ōtākaro Avon River Trail
Christchurch Central City
Now time to venture out of the city, if only slightly.
Te Ara Ōtākaro Avon River Trail spans 11km from the CBD to New Brighton, tracing the Avon River through Christchurch’s infamous Red Zone, a poignant reminder of the 2011 earthquake. As you walk, you’ll pass through empty lots where homes once stood, with power lines and streetlights still in place, creating an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere. The upside? No traffic.
The trail follows now-closed roads left abandoned, offering a peaceful, uninterrupted route. Hungry? You can legally forage the Red Zone for fruit and nuts.
You can tailor this walk to your preferred distance, thanks to the regular bridges that let you loop back to the other side of the river.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: Varies, depending on your chosen route
- Walking time: 1-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
New Brighton Beach
New Brighton, Christchurch
Looking for an easy-peasy beach stroll? New Brighton Beach is where you can literally wander for miles; nearly 20km of uninterrupted sand stretches from New Brighton to the Waimakariri River. Just pick a direction and start exploring.
The iconic New Brighton Pier is your perfect landmark, guiding you as you roam. Just make sure you first wander to the end of this behemoth for the full experience. Along the way, you’ll spot sand sculptures, kite surfers, and more.
Don’t miss the Seaside Market and, if you need to unwind, the He Puna Taimoana hot pools are right there for a relaxing soak.
Want some other recs for the best darn things to do in the 03? Well, here's how to spend 48 hours in Christchurch.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: From 1.5km, depending on your chosen route
- Walking time: From 20 minutes, depending on your chosen route
- Difficulty: Easy
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Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park
Bottle Lake, Christchurch
Sprawling pine forests that might very well be enchanted, peaceful trails leading to an actual fairy village and coastal clearings with glimpses of Pegasus Bay and beyond—Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park is a dose of proper serenity just a stone's throw from the city.
This working forest doubles as one of Christchurch's most versatile outdoor playgrounds, where pines tower above well-maintained tracks that cater to everyone from weekend strollers to the more arduously inclined. The network of tracks—both the designated Blue and Green routes, plus the working roads—means you can tailor your walk to whatever your legs (and schedule) are up for. Don't miss the enchanting Fairy Village along Apple Road, where hundreds of miniature homes built by local families transform a simple forest walk into something magical.
Pack a decent map or use the interactive online version—the alphabetical north-south roads (Apple, Bravo, Charlie) and numbered east-west avenues can turn navigation into an adventure of its own. The Visitor Centre at the main entrance has everything you need to get oriented, plus fascinating insights into the forest's rich history, including its former use as a military training ground.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: Varies, depending on your chosen route
- Walking time: As above
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Otukaikino Track
Belfast, Christchurch
Located in Christchurch’s northwest, the Ōtukaikino Track offers a peaceful escape as it winds through lush wetlands surrounded by dense native plantings, serene ponds, and grassy picnic areas. Passing the popular recreational spot The Groynes and the adjacent Clearwater Resort, this well-maintained track provides a tranquil setting where birdsong fills the air and the gentle flow of water creates a calming backdrop.
Consider linking Ōtukaikino Track with Waimairi Walkway, Roto Kōhatu Reserve or Templars Island for an extended adventure. Perfect for those who enjoy exploring multiple parks in one go, this track offers an ideal starting point for a day of outdoor exploration.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: 8.9km
- Walking time: 2.5 hours one way
- Difficulty: Moderate
Scarborough Bluffs Track
Scarborough Hill Reserve, Christchurch
Now to the other, equally track and trail-dense side of the city.
Perched upon the famous Port Hills—which separate Christchurch from pioneering port town Lyttelton—is the Scarborough Bluffs Track. This route tackles exactly what the name suggests—a spectacular clifftop wander, weaving through rugged bluffs with knockout views over Sumner Beach and down toward Taylors Mistake.
Starting from Evans Pass, you'll begin with an easy amble through golden tussock grasslands before the track gets a tad more dramatic, straddling the rock formations that give the bluffs their awe. Keep your eyes peeled for the historic Scarborough woolshed—a reminder of the area's pastoral past—as you navigate the rocky terrain that demands a bit of concentration and decent footwear.
Feeling energised? Instead of marching all the way to Taylors, near the intersection with Sumnervale Drive, take a left down the signposted Waterfall track, which forms a circuit walk with the Captain Thomas Track.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: 3km one way
- Walking time: 60 minutes one way
- Difficulty: Moderate (rocky terrain requires surefootedness)
Godley Head
Taylors Mistake, Christchurch
Kick off your walk at the hidden cove that is Taylors Mistake and take on the Godley Head/Awaroa loop walkway, where history meets stunning scenery at the northern entrance of Lyttelton Harbour.
The track climbs the headland to connect with the Crater Rim Walkway, as you trek past historic WW2 gun emplacements, with info panels providing insight into the foreign threat. Admire the stunning views of rugged coastal cliffs toward Sumner, as the track rounds the headland and heads back towards the start. This is a great walk for cliff-top panoramas and contrasting hues, where the vivid blues of Pegasus Bay and Lyttelton Harbour pop against the golden grasslands of the Banks Peninsula coastline.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: 9.3km
- Walking time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Crater Rim Walkway
Port Hills, Christchurch
Ready to tackle a hike along the rim of an ancient volcanic crater? The Crater Rim Walkway, extending from Godley Head in the east to Ōmawete-Coopers Knob, Gebbies Pass in the west, offers epic harbour views on one side and mountain vistas on the other. Perfect for those with a bit of fitness and time to spare, this trail showcases the best of Christchurch’s outdoor beauty, with the golden tussock grasslands forming the iconic backdrop of the Port Hills.
The walkway extends from Godley Head (as mentioned above) in the east, winding its way through the crater’s rim and offering diverse sections to suit different fitness levels and time constraints. As there are lots of sidetracks and connections, you can choose to hike a shorter segment (Godley Head to Summit Road, or Mt Pleasant to Bridle Path are manageable short options). Alternatively, go big and take on the full length for a more challenging adventure. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps (and a potential pit stop at the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe).
Heads up—you’ll want to pack plenty of water and sun protection, especially on hot summer days when the treeless hillsides can make this track a thirsty workout.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: From 8-20km+
- Walking time: From a couple of hours to a full day, depending on your chosen route
- Difficulty: Moderate-hard
Bridle Path
Port Hills, Christchurch
Speaking of—the historic Bridle Path is less weekend walk and more journey through time as you tackle the same steep route that European settlers first carved out in 1850. This is where Canterbury's story began, as determined pioneers hauled their belongings over the crater rim to reach the promised land.
Don't let the modest 2.4km distance fool you; this is a steep climb, but the workout is worth the reward at the top: jaw-dropping panoramic views over Lyttelton Harbour, with Mt Herbert standing proud above Diamond Harbour.
As you ascend, you'll witness what remains of Castle Rock to the west and confront the mammoth boulders that were scattered down the hillside during the Christchurch earthquakes. The memorial seats dotted along the route aren't just welcome rest stops; they're invitations to pause and reflect on the incredible determination it took for those early settlers to make this journey with all their worldly possessions. The stone shelter at the summit, dedicated to Canterbury's pioneer women, provides the perfect vantage point for those aforementioned vistas.
From here, turn back from whence you came, or head down to Lyttelton. Peruse their famously eclectic Saturday Farmers Market, then catch the 28 Bus back through the tunnel, which will return you to Heathcote near the Bridle Path car park.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: 2.4km one way
- Walking time: 1.5 hours one way (allow extra time for photo stops)
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard (steep climb required)
Ōtamahua-Quail Island Walkway
Lyttelton Harbour/Quail Island, Christchurch
An alternative to taking the bus back from Lyttelton is extending the adventure to a lush wee island in the middle of sparkling Lyttelton Harbour. Hop aboard the ferry to Ōtamahua-Quail Island—this 81-hectare sanctuary holds a treasure trove of stories that span everything from Antarctic expeditions to quarantine stations. Even a haunting ship's graveyard is thrown in for good measure.
The adventure that is the Ōtamahua-Quail Island Walkway starts the moment you step off the ferry jetty. After conquering the initial short but steep climb to the Caretaker's Cottage, you'll traverse open grasslands and dramatic basalt cliff tops that offer expansive views across the harbour to Rāpaki and beyond. Keep your eyes peeled for native birdlife as you wander—the island's predator-free status makes it a haven for our feathered friends.
The eerie ships' graveyard, where the skeletal remains of about 13 vessels rest in the shallows, creates an almost supernatural atmosphere. Then there are the replica dog kennels where polar legends Scott and Shackleton housed their Antarctic expedition dogs—imagine those famous explorers walking these same paths over a century ago. The restored quarantine barracks at Whakamaru Beach tell tales of the island's role as New Zealand's quarantine station, while the replica leper patient hut serves as a poignant reminder of the island's medical history. It's heavy stuff, but presented in a way that brings the past vividly to life.
End your island adventure with a gentle stroll along the beach past the old stock jetty, giving you time to reflect on all the incredible stories this small island holds. Just remember to check those ferry times—you don't want to be marooned with the ghosts of maritime history.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: 4.5km loop
- Walking time: 2.5 hours (plus ferry travel time)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Victoria Park
Port Hills, Christchurch
Perched on the Port Hills, high above the suburb of Cashmere, Victoria Park is one of Christchurch's most beloved recreation spots. It's perfect for those looking to take in the entire topography of Canterbury—from Pegasus Bay to the City itself, the Canterbury Plains beyond, then finally, the Southern Alps in all their glory.
Start your adventure by parking at the Sign of the Takahe—a neo-Gothic style historic building, plucked straight from Hogwarts that you certainly won't miss—and follow the Harry Ell Walkway as it winds through the wooded trails of Victoria Park. When you reach the top, reward yourself with a visit to the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe, a local favourite that's been serving up treats since 1917. If you've got some energy left, push on to the transmission tower atop Sugarloaf—part of the Sugarloaf Circuit—for some of the best views in the city, before enjoying the easy downhill leg back to where you started.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: Varies, depending on your chosen route
- Walking time: As above
- Difficulty: Moderate
Rapaki
Cashmere, Christchurch
Some of the best views from the Port Hills are provided by Rapaki Track, taking you through greenery and grasslands, making this a worthy addition to this list of Christchurch's best walks. After the steep climb towards Summit Road, you’ll find more panoramic views of the city, beach and ocean. The 3.5km track calls for keeping your camera and/or phone handy. It’s also popular with runners and mountain bikers, as well as the weekend dog-walker.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: 3.5km
- Walking time: 45 minutes one way
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Halswell Quarry
Kennedys Bush, Christchurch
Halswell Quarry is a go-to spot for families, where kids and dogs can run wild through the park’s grassy open spaces and native plantings.
Start with the Quarry Rim Track, a loop track that winds around the historic quarry, which once supplied materials for Christchurch’s early buildings. As you climb, take in the sweeping views from the top, with vistas stretching across native wetlands and out to the Southern Alps.
Feeling ambitious? Push on up Kennedy’s Bush Track to Summit Road for an extra challenge. If you’d rather take it easy, the Quarry Café coffee and food trailer at the car park is the perfect spot to recharge after your walk.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: From 1km, depending on your chosen route
- Walking time: From 40 minutes, depending on your chosen route
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Ohinetahi Reserve
Governors Bay, Christchurch
Ohinetahi Reserve protects the remnant native bush on the harbour side of the crater rim, above Governors Bay. Managed by the Summit Road Society, this reserve boasts a well-maintained network of hiking tracks, which connect seamlessly with the Crater Rim Walkway. Community-made signs guide you through ferny gullies and regenerating forests beneath steep volcanic bluffs.
Ohinetahi Reserve is perfect for a quick native bush fix with great loop options. If you’re up for a challenge, take on the Grand Mt Ada Loop, a full-day hike that covers the entire reserve.
Sturdy footwear is a must, especially in winter when the tracks can get wet and slippery. The trail network offers various routes, allowing you to tailor your hike to your preferences. For ideas on different routes, check out the Banks Peninsula Walks website.
Hooked on the beauty of Banks Peninsula? Here's the ultimate guide to Akaroa.
THE DETAILS
- Distance: Varies, depending on your chosen route
- Walking time: 2-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate-hard
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Main image credit: Crater Rim Walkway by Christchurch City Council | Website
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